Home Brew Master
Meet Russ Hoff, an Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at Valdosta State University. Russ is an alum of both Ohio University and West Virginia University and was the long-time Head AT for the Blazers. His time away from the sidelines usually finds him reading, gardening, cooking, or wood working… but he has also acquired a taste for a new hobby in home brewing.
Russ has been brewing his own beer for a little over 5 years. One of the reasons he chose the hobby was because it was something he could do at home. Russ also likes the process of brewing in that it is very methodical and deliberate.
"I guess it is similar to developing protocols in AT, and the step by step process of treating and rehabbing a patient. The science of home brewing interests me, and my family, staff and friends liked to sample the results. The process is very social and I usually invite people to sit and listen to music or a game on the radio while we are outside brewing."
So how does home brewing work? It doesn’t just magically appear in the bottle (or can) unfortunately. There is a cooking process involved and recipe that must be followed. You must add spring water, malt, grains, hops, sugar, and other ingredients depending on the type of brew you are making. Once the ingredients are cooked the “wort” must be cooled to 70 degrees (for ales) and then the yeast is added. Russ usually make 5 gallons at a time and his “bucket of beer” sits in a temperature-controlled environment (his closet 😊) at 70 degrees. The bucket is designed with an air-lock to allow gases from the fermentation process to escape while protecting against bacterial invasion. Ales take about 10-14 days to complete fermentation. The wort is then transferred to an old coke syrup canister (also 5 gallons) and carbonated for 3 days. It is then ready to sample. Some beers require 50 degrees for fermentation and this takes up to 3 months before fermentation is complete.
Russ claims “Blazer Moon” as his favorite beer to make – it is a Blue Moon type of ale and he uses oranges from his own yard as part of the ingredients. He enjoys the process brewing and the social nature of making and sharing his beer. And while he doesn’t have big plans for expanding his brewing or entering any beer competitions, he’s always got his eyes (and taste buds) set on the next batch to come from the bucket.
If you are interested in learning more about doing your own home brewing you can check out the information provided online by the Home Brewers Association.
Cheers to beers and to Russ for making them!
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